The circuit of Mont Blanc is one of the finest walking routes in the Alps. It is in reality a series of paths linking the seven valleys that surround the highest mountain in Western Europe, Mont Blanc. To complete the whole circuit normally takes a fortnight, but for those with less time this one-week Exodus tour takes in the most outstanding sections with beautiful mountain highlights each day. Throughout the holiday we are based in the delightful Chalet Chamonix with dramatic views of Mont Blanc and use private buses to travel out each day to re-join the next stage of our walk covering beautiful secitons of the famous circuit. At the end of each day we return home for afternoon tea or for those who wish a dip in the chalet’s bubbling Jacuzzi.

Walk profile

Daily distance in km/miles:

Day 2

15.0km/9.3miles

Day 3

11.0km/6.8miles

Day 4

16.0km/9.9miles

Day 6

13.0km/8.1miles

Day 7

9.0km/5.6miles

Number of days walking: 5

Pace: Approximately 5-7 hours walking per day

Terrain: Low altitude; good paths with some steep ascents

Itinerary

Show detailed itinerary

1Day 1Start Chalet Chamonix

Start Chalet Chamonix. Those making their own way to the chalet should aim to arrive late morning to early afternoon for introductions. There is time to walk into the centre of Chamonix in the afternoon before a pre-dinner briefing from the walking leader.See more images and videos

2Day 2Drive to the head of the Chamonix Valley; walk to Switzerland via Les Bonhommes and the Col de Balme; descend back into France passing Chalets de Balme.

From the Chalet we drive to Le Buet (1330m/4350ft). Climbing to (2000m/6500ft), we are rewarded with a stunning balcony walk as we flank the Aiguilette des Possettes, passing the Col de Possettes. The views of the Mont Blanc range and its glaciers are exceptional. Climbing to Les Bonhommes in Switzerland (2140m/7020ft) we enjoy sweeping views of the Swiss Alps and the Emosson Dam. Then via France, crossing the source of the River Arve that flows through Chamonix, we reach the Col de Balme (2191m/7190ft) and step into Switzerland to admire the panorama across the Rhone Valley. We descend to meet the valley and meet our transport back to the Chalet.
See more images and videos

A spectacular walk from (1370m/4450ft) up to the Bel Lachat refuge on the classic TMB and GR5 routes. Crossing the beautiful Carlaveyron Natural Reserve we summit the Aiguillette des Houches (2285m/7500ft) for one of the finest views in the Alps - looking directly across the Chamonix Valley to the Mont Blanc summit. Passing through alpine meadows we descend by a different route to La Flatière (1370m/4500ft).
See more images and videos

A short transfer takes us through picturesque hamlets and quaint Savoy farm houses to Maison Neuve our start point above the village of Les Houches. From here we begin our climb to the Col de Voza (1653m/5360ft) from where we enjoy sweeping views of the Chamonix Valley and Aravis mountains. Exploring the Bionnassay Valley, dominated by the spectacular Aiguille de Bionnassay and its glacier, we continue via the little village of Champel towards Les Contamines commune (1015m/3330ft).

Free day for optional walks or sightseeing. Your leader will be able to advise you of possible routes. Or you may choose to visit the bustling Alpine resort town of Chamonix , with its' numerous shops, bars, restaurants and cafés. There are several cable car excursions you can make from Chamonix, of which the most spectacular is the ascent to the Aiguille du Midi (3842m/12600ft), offering fantastic views of Mont Blanc and surrounding peaks. It should also be possible to take the mountain train up to Montenvers for close up views of the glacier, Mer de Glace. Another popular option is to take a trip to nearby Annecy, the 'Venice of the Alps'.See more images and videos

6Day 6Drive through the Mont Blanc tunnel to Italy; climb to Bonatti refuge and traverse high above the spectacular Ferret Valley towards Courmayeur.

We drive through the Mont Blanc tunnel to Italy for a chance to soak up some Italian atmosphere! From Lavachey (1640m/5380ft) we climb up to the Bonatti refuge. At just over (2000m/6560ft), the view from here is one of the finest on the tour. Mont Blanc itself, the towering rocky peak of Grandes Jorasses and the glaciers that crowd the northern flank of Val Ferret are there to be admired. Following a dramatic traversing path we contour high above the valley passing by the Bertone refuge before descending into Courmayeur, the perfect spot for a well-deserved Italian ice-cream.
See more images and videos

We drive to Col des Montets and then climb to the beautiful Lac Blanc, the highest point of the week (2352m - 7715ft), a spectacular setting with dramatic, panoramic vistas. If we are lucky we will be able to see Ibex. We then descend and continue to La Flégère, from where we take a téléférique back down to the valley floor to join our transport.
If the Flégère lift is closed, or there is low lying snow and it is not possible to walk to lac Blanc then we will instead walk to the beautiful Lacs des Cheserys and then onwards to Flégère before descending past the charming Chalet Floria (there will be time for a cup of tea) and onwards to Chamonix. This will make a total climb of 746m - 2445ft and descent of 1184m - 3880ft. This is a stunning and beautiful day that equals the original. We only anticipate this happening on the spring and autumn departures.

Your images

Adult Group

This is a small group adult holiday. The group is usually between 4 and 14 in size, with an average of 12 like-minded clients booking individually, in a couple or as friends together.

Activity level

You are moderately fit and possess a spirit of adventure. Some previous experience is required for most activity based trips.

What's included

What's included

All breakfasts, 5 picnic lunches, 6 dinners

All accommodation (see below)

All transport and listed activities

Tour leader throughout

Flights from London (if booking incl. flights)

What's not included

Travel insurance

Single accommodation (available on request)

Visas or vaccinations

Accommodation details

Chalet Chamonix

Our comfortable and modern chalet has en suite rooms throughout and a pleasant open plan lounge with south facing panoramic windows and balcony overlooking Mont Blanc. Surrounded by a private garden with Jacuzzi and just 15 minutes walk into Chamonix, Chalet Chamonix is the perfect base for walking the best of the Tour du Mont Blanc and a relaxing week in the Alps.

Single rooms are not available.

Essential info

Vaccinations and Visa
No visa required for British passport holders.
There are no specific health risks. Holiday style

Five days walking with transport to and from start/end points of walks.

Some of the days are quite long, sometimes involving an ascent of 900/950m (3000/3120ft) followed by a similar descent. Occasionally the paths are rocky in sections but generally well maintained. Due to the quality of the trails, the general 'civilisation' of the area and the relative shortness of the trek, we rate it as an Activity level 3, Moderate.

Days average about seven hours of actual walking and up to nine miles in distance. The trek should be within the capabilities of anyone in normal good health that is reasonably fit. The route throughout is non-technical and no special skills or equipment are required, though treks early and late in the year may encounter some snow lying on the higher passes and the itinerary may need to be altered in consideration of this.

Maximum altitude 2350m, average 1525m.

Eating & drinking

All breakfasts, 5 picnic lunches and 6 dinners are included in the price of the trip.

Typical Meals
Breakfast: Buffet style breakfast will usually consist of cereal, eggs, orange juice, croissant, fresh French bread, butter, jam, tea or coffee.
Lunch: Picnic style lunches will normally include bread, fresh salad vegetables, cold meats or tinned fish, cheese and fresh fruit.
Evening meal: Will normally consist of a first course of soup, salad or charcuterie, a main course of meat or fish with rice, potatoes or pasta and vegetables, followed by dessert or fruit and tea or coffee. The price of the evening meal does not include wine, beer, bottled water or soft drinks.

Vegetarians: Although vegetarianism is not common in France and most meals are based on meat or fish, it is usually possible to cater for vegetarians as long as they are prepared to be flexible. If you are a vegetarian please inform us at the time of booking.

Trip notes

Download the detailed trip notes for everything you could possibly want to know about this trip, including
detailed itinerary and full kit list

Weather & seasonality

From late June to early October fair weather is to be expected, but all mountain ranges create their own weather patterns and the Alps are no exception. It can and does rain and especially at higher altitudes can be surprisingly cold at times. Expected daytime temperatures are in the range of 15 to 25degC in the valleys (although it can sometimes reach 30degC in July/August), 5 to 20degC at altitude (though it will feel colder if wet and windy) and 5 to 15degC in the valley at night; possibly a little lower early and late in the season. There is always the possibility of snow, even in August.

Gallery

Reviews & community

We went at the end of September and were blessed with sunshine on all but 1 day, so could appreciate the stunning vistas of Mont Blanc as we walked on the surrounding hills.
amazing food each evening - some of the best deserts I have ever had
great group of people made the trip fun.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Day walks with amazing views from all angles, mostly in the Chamonix valley but the day walk in Italy was beautiful, classic alpine scenery
watching for wildlife and seeing an Ibex and marmot.
the trip up to Aiguille Midi on our day off - expensive but worth it for the views and fascinating displays at the top
The food in the chalet

What did you think of your group leader?

outstanding. Mark was extremely experiences, knowledgeable and tailored the walks to the weather and group. Good advice and information, very supportive to those group members on the trickier bits of the walk. He also gave good information for options for the day off, particularly walks possible from the middle cable car station (although check that the cable car to the ice cave are open - they were closed at the end of sept)

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Be aware of the amount of climb and descent. The pattern of most walks was to climb from the valley in the first few hours of the morning, traverse and then descend at the end of the day. Often this involved 900m of climb first thing, but it was a steady pace with time to admire the views. Being fit and doing some uphill preparation will make this more pleasurable. Take poles if they help with the downhill (knees).
Be aware of the season as the trip notes explain, all cable cars are not open in sept.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Great being in the chalet only 10 minutes from the centre of town, so it was easy to stroll to the shops in the evenings.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

The Mont Blanc Highlights are very much that. If you get good weather with good visibility the views are stunning, the walking wonderful and it will be a thoroughly enjoyable week.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The views of the Mont Blanc range as we walked day to day with different vistas of the same range will remain in the memory for a long time.

What did you think of your group leader?

Mark is a skilful guide, superfit, always ready with a story or anecdote and with a wealth of knowledge of the area. Walks can be tailored to suit the weather and / or the time of year when refuges may be shut and / or the ability of the group.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

The week is denoted as Level 3 'moderate' and the trip notes explain why this mark is awarded. We were not fully prepared for the amount of 'up' at the start of the day and the amount of 'down' at the end. Most of the 'ups' feature ascents on rocky trails / paths where steps and height between rocks are certainly challenging for those of a slighter stature. Likewise most 'downs' feature work on sloping terrain which will test out the knees and thigh muscles. Sticks (a pair) are highly recommended.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

We found the accommodation at Chalet Chantel disappointing. A fuller review than allowed here is available on Tripadvisor:

After deciding that there was more to life than the 9 to 5, Chris took off on a year-long round the world trip, taking in Asia, Australia, New Zealand and South America – eventually returning home and deciding that a career in travel was the next best thing, and after a few years selling round the world flights, he ended up here in the sales team at Exodus.

Questions about your trip

Pick your question

Do I need to take both Swiss Francs and Euros?

It’s not necessary to take both currencies as the places we visit in Switzerland will take Euros. However, you may not get a particularly favourable Euro/ Swiss Franc exchange rate, but you won't be spending much when over the border so the difference is minimal.

Katarzyna Crompton - Customer Operations

Tips from staff who have done the Mont Blanc Highlights

Weather - I did the trip in late June last year, and the weather was lovely pretty much all the way through. We did have a couple of days of white cloud or grey skies, but the sun was actually out most of the time. It rained a couple of afternoons after the clouds built up. To check the weather, I would look online at forecasts. It's impossible to say what the conditions are going to be exactly, as the mountains can change everything depending on local patterns. It should be nice and warm during the day, low to mid 20s, and pleasant evenings lower down. As you get higher, the sun will still be bright and strong but there can be a chill wind on exposed areas.

Clothing - I had a warm fleece, wind/ waterproof jacket and some gloves. Apart from that, it was just the usual layers underneath. I would also advise a rain cover for your rucksack. I would go with the lighter waterproof, as you'll only be wearing it during the day, and can easily stick a fleece underneath if it's chilly, but you should be fine with layers.

The walk - I found Day 4 probably the toughest but also the most beautiful. It was the toughest as the lift was closed on the way down, so it meant a long extra walk. If the lift is open on your departure, you shouldn't have as long a day but the ascent is still very steep in places and can be tiring if it's hot. But the views from the ridge at the top, the openess, Lac Blanc, looking across to the other side of the valley with the glaciers hanging down, were stunning. But it's not unique, most of the walks have stunning views, it's really one of the prettiest areas for walking I have ever been to. It is definitely steep in places and you'll feel it in your legs at the end of the day but well worth it.The walking paths are really well looked after out there, so the ground underfoot isn't too much of an issue. There were a couple of days with long ascents (I remember the La Blanc day and the final day being longer than most of the others) and then descents, but the pace is quite even and none of our group had any problems, even with quite mixed abilities.Also, as it's centre based, you can always take a day off (in addition to the free day) if you like.

It's a wonderful trip and we were so well looked after by Oliver and Elaine, I know you'll love it!

Chloe Knott - Product Manager

Is it possible to have a day off during the holiday?

Yes, this trip is centre based so if you would prefer to take off any of the days, you're free to do your own thing. Obviously we hope you'll take advantage of all that is on offer, but it's still a holiday, not a forced march!

Brendan Phelan - Customer Operations

Exodus staff - expertise on hand to help

All the staff at Exodus share a passion for adventure travel, and are always happy to answer any questions you may have. You can find an expert for the area you are interested in here and can contact them to get further information. If you don't see your specific country listed, please email customerops@exodus.co.uk and they will get the answers you need!

How do I join the Departure Lounge (forum) in the Exodus Community?

To view the Forums, including the Departure Lounge, you do not need to be member of the Exodus Community, simply click on the Community link at the top of every page and read the posts in their respective sections by entering the Departure Lounge, or one of the other options in the list on the page.

To join in a discussion, if already a member, please sign in to your Exodus website account (not related to booking reservations) to contribute to the Forum. If you are not a member of the Exodus Community, you can register by clicking the 'Sign in' at the top of every webpage and select ‘Register’ within the drop down panel.

When viewing the Forum area of the website, as you scroll through the 'Rooms' which are set out by 'travel months' during the current year within the Departure Lounge. You can then select the 'month' of intended travel, then filter the list of trips that have already been created by fellow travellers to see if your trip is listed. If the trip you are travelling on is not in the list, you can start the process by clicking on the 'Post new forum topic' link above the list on the same page. If you do see your trip within the list, select it to view the 'discussion' by your fellow travellers and you can join in by completing the 'Post your comment' section below the discussion thread.

Please note: there might be slight a delay before your post/comment appears as intended because we moderate what is published on the website.

We hope you enjoy using the Departure Lounge to meet your fellow travellers and continue to contribute right up to the start of your journey with Exodus.

Responsible travel

We realise that every holiday destination is also someone else's home and that we should leave places as we found them. Find out more about how we incorporate responsible travel into our adventure and activity holidays, and how you can help by donating to one of our responsible travel projects.